Newport Beach Visitors Guide

Beyond the sun, sand and surf, discover the charm of Newport Beach, California. One taste of the perfect life will keep you coming back for more.

From sunset cruises to surf lessons, wine tastings to harbor-front promenades, Newport Beach offers plenty to do during your stay. So relax, unwind and enjoy views of California’s sunrise and sunsets.

With the largest recreational harbor on the west coast, there are ten miles of extraordinary fishing, swimming, surfing, and aquatic sports activities. Ten distinct neighborhoods make up Newport Beach, each with its own unique personality, natural beauty and story to share.

Head to Newport Beach for an intimate seaside oasis with its elegance, modern shopping and stunning residential landscape. Continue reading our Newport Beach Visitors Guide and start planning today. Find the perfect beach to relax on, visit the best beaches of Southern California.

Weather – When to Visit Newport Beach

The best time to visit Newport is between March and May and from September to November. In May (the end of the spring season) and September (the start of the autumn season), mild temperatures and few rain showers mean you’ll have ideal weather for exploring the city’s famous mansions. Plus, you’ll avoid summer’s swarms of tourists and high hotel rates. Once wintertime rolls around, expect chilly temperatures and plenty of snow. But if you can weather the low temps, you’ll be rewarded with Newport’s best hotel deals.

What Should You Pack?

When figuring out what to pack for the beach, there are two tips to keep in mind. First, forgetting an item isn’t the end of the world. Unless you’re heading for a remote, deserted island, chances are you can find a store where you can pick up the extras. Second, don’t stress out over making a packing list when there’s a stress-free beach travel essentials list for you below:

Remember: Don’t wait until you’re parched to drink. When you’re out in the heat and sun, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking regularly. So take along a water bottle as well.

The 5 Best Newport Beach Beaches

Newport Beach

Newport Beach begins where the Santa Ana River flows into the Pacific, just south of Huntington Beach, and runs down to the Wedge. Favorite hot spots where surfers await the big swells include the beginning of the peninsula at 44th street, 32nd street, and down by the Newport Beach Pier at 21st street. Nearly two miles south is the Balboa Pier with tons of sand and isolated spots to enjoy the waves and the ray.

The Wedge

The Wedge is one of the most famous surf spots in the world. With waves that can reach 30 feet high, the Wedge is the ultimate spot to take some great photographs of massive waves. But surfers beware, the hot surf spot is more known for body boarding because of the harsh shore-breaking waves. For a complete list of area beaches, go here.

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Big Corona

Big Corona features surf, cliffs, a jetty, and a variety of activity from surfing and skim boarding to volleyball. Surfing enthusiasts can see the waves once carved up by surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku, the area’s first recognized surfer. For a complete list of area beaches, go here.

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Little Corona

Little Corona is a quiet little paradise, offering a more tranquil and relaxing environment. The greatest attraction here is the tide pool, where an up-close adventure with sea life can be found. For a complete list of area beaches, go here.

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Crystal Cove

For a throwback in charm and a secluded slide of this coastal oasis, visit Crystal Cove State Park where there are 3 miles of beach and 2,400 acres of undeveloped woodland. Many locals visit the Beachcomber café for a meal on the sand, and at 5 p.m. or sunset, for the raising of the martini flag. For a complete list of area beaches, go here.

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Newport Beach Attractions

Balboa Peninsula & Balboa Beach

Here there’s a three-mile-long stretch with the harbor on one side and sandy beaches (the Peninsula” on the other. The Balboa Peninsula features the original Ruby’s Diner and a view of a shoreline, surfers, and sunbathers spanning for miles. A walk straight down Main Street brings you to the historic Balboa Pavilion, made famous in the 30s and 40s for being the home of Big Band era legends Count Basie and Benny Goodman.

Balboa Island

In the middle of the harbor sits Balboa Island. The streets are still mostly lined with cottages built in the 1920s and ’30s. The 1.5-mile promenade that circles the island is perfect for a stroll or jog. On Agate Ave. you will find the streets lined with swimwear boutiques, Italian trattorias and cocktail bars.

Upper Newport Bay Ecological Preserve

This 752-acre reserve, where runoff from the San Bernardino Mountains meets the sea, supports more than 200 species of birds. This is one of the few estuaries in Southern California that has been preserved, and it’s an important stopover on the Pacific Flyway migration route. There are also trails for jogging and cycling. .

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Sherman Library & Gardens

Here you’ll find a variety of lush gardens. Sitting on 2.2 acres, view the abundant orchids, a rose garden, a koi pond and even a desert garden. There is a small research library that holds some 15,000 historical documents from California, Arizona, Nevada and Baja.

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Lovell Beach House

For iconic modern architecture stroll past the 1926 Lovell House, designed by seminal modernist architect Rudolf Schindler. It was built using site-cast concrete frames shaped like figures of eight. It’s kind of amazing that it still exists with the encroachment all around. It’s closed to the public, so you’ll be looking from outside.

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Newport Beach Tours & Activities

Whale Watching Cruise

Cruise off the coast of Orange County in search of whales on this 2.5-hour excursion from Newport Beach. Watch the rugged, beautiful scenery of the Pacific Coast glide by as you listen to interesting commentary from your crew about the native California marine life. Watch for blows and tail slaps; these signal that humpback, minke, grey, finback or giant blue whales are near. Dolphins and other marine life are also in abundance during this family-friendly, year-round whale watching tour. Read more about Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach

Newport Beach Sunset Cruise by Catamaran

Watch the sun set into the Pacific Ocean on an evening cruise from Newport Beach, skimming across Newport Bay in a double-decker catamaran that makes for a smoother, more comfortable ride. The departure time is tailored to the sunset so you’ll see the California coast at its most scenic, as you pass the yachts and sailing ships that come out to catch the evening light. Buy a drink from the full-service bar, or simply enjoy views of Newport’s waterfront estates and glittering bay before returning to shore. Read more about Newport Beach Sunset Cruise by Catamaran

Kayak & Paddleboard Tours

Ready to experience the amazing waters of the Newport Beach area in the best way possible? Try a tour of the majestic waters of the Bay on Kayak or Paddleboard via Balboa Tours. Read more about Kayak and Paddleboard Tours

Los Angeles Dinner Cruise

Cruise the scenic waters near Los Angeles in style during this 3-hour, high-end dinner cruise. Climb aboard and enjoy a complimentary glass of Champagne before enjoying a sumptuous four-course dinner freshly prepared on-board. Then dance the night away to the accompaniment of live or DJ musical entertainment, or simply soak up the amazing views from the ship’s outdoor decks. Ship departures from Marina Del Rey, Newport Beach or Long Beach. Read more about Los Angeles Dinner Cruise

Best Newport Beach Restaurants

A Restaurant $31 – 60

A Restaurant sits on the foundation of historic restaurant The Arches, which blossomed out of a gas station on the then-new Pacific Coast Highway. But A Restaurant isn’t relying on nostalgia alone to sell California-raised steaks and seasonal comfort-food specials. They offer imaginative fine dining amidst a red velvet interior, at prices that won’t leave you struggling to make your car payments. Telephone: 949-650-6505 Web: A Restaurant

Bear Flag Fish Co. $11 – 30

At the original Newport Bear Flag — a sun-kissed shop-turned-restaurant draped with nautical nostalgia — you can pick your species from the daily catch of glistening fillets in the deli cases and have the fishmongers cut it up into poke, grill it for minimalist tacos, or opt for one of the other stripped-down preparations. Telephone: 949-673-3474 Web: Bear Flag Fish Co.

Mama D’s $11 – 30

Only at a place like Mama D’s do the free garlic bread and meatballs become its main attraction. But it’s only a hint at the hand-pinched raviolis, pink-sauce-smothered spaghetti and cheese-covered, oven-baked lasagnas that await, all made by native New Yorker Mama D, using recipes from her Italian roots perfected over years of raising a large family of her own. Telephone: 949-675-6262 Web: Mama D’s

Tackle Box $11 – 30

Top Chef: New Orleans contestant Brian Huskey opened Tackle Box two summers ago, just off the parking lot at Corona del Mar State Beach, and put every other sand-side concession to shame. With everything from fresh OJ and breakfast sandwiches for the morning session to fresh chowder and Niman Ranch banh mis for lunch, Tackle Box now sets the standard for post-wave eating. Telephone: 949-723-0502 Web: Tackle Box﻿

Pizzaria Mozza $31 – 60

Pizzeria Mozza might be an LA invention, but its chewy dough and Neapolitan-style toppings (like house-made cheese and cured meats) have left an even greater impression on Newport Beach. Developed out of decades spent traveling through Italy, Mozza’s pizzas are a masterclass in technique and restraint. Telephone: 949-945-1126 Web: Pizzaria Mozza

Best Newport Nightclubs

Beach Ball Bar

The Beach Ball rocks… Opens promptly at 6 AM close at 2 AM. Entertaining bartenders and inviting activities. TV’s everywhere, pool tables, golf game, photo booth, direct to Facebook if you choose, juke box (can even use your smart phone to play juke). Enjoy a variety of cocktail flavors, specialty drinks, unique and exceptional shots are all a part of the Beach Ball experience plus the price is right. Telephone: 949-675-8041 Web: Beach Ball Bar

Woody’s Wharf

It is a waterfront location that faces Newport Bay, which can be enjoyed if you step out onto their outdoor patio area. If you’re looking to get your groove on, Woody’s also has a pretty decently sized dance floor which is accompanied by the music of a live DJ on Fridays. Telephone: 949-675-0474 Web: Woody’s Wharf

Class of ’47

Class of ’47 has been a classic since the time John Wayne frequented it and continues to be a classic that locals can’t stay away from. Class of ’47 has pool tables, a jukebox, and even a photo booth. The indoor’s décor is not that of your standard bar, the ceiling showcases a canopy of dollar bills, and the overall vintage feel does not disappoint. Telephone: 949-675-5774 Web: Class of ’47

Mutt Lynch’s

Mutt Lynch’s is usually always busy, but don’t be discouraged, their customer service is excellent and they are very attentive with all their guests, busy or not. Located only a short walk from the pier, you can expect it to be an ocean view bar. They have a delicious selection of food, but are best known for their ice cold schooners. Telephone: 949-675-1556 Web: Mutt Lynch’s

American Junkie

At American Junkie, you are greeted by a huge door which leads to both its downstairs and upstairs sections. Its upper portion of the bar includes wall-to-wall windows and outdoor seating, which provide you with a great view of the bay. At Junkie, you can enjoy a view of the bay, their upbeat music, the sports they showcase on their TVs, or a little bit of all three. Telephone: 949-675-4444 Web: American Junkie

Best Hotels in Newport Beach

Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel

Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel welcomes you to Newport Beach and especially to their hotel. For more than fifty years, they have been a family owned, California ‘beach hotel’. By providing their guests with exemplary customer service and value, they are proud to be ranked the #1 Traveler Rated Hotel in Newport Beach!

Fashion Island Hotel

Located at Fashion Island, an open-air lifestyle center in Newport Beach, Fashion Island Hotel is a luxury hotel featuring Southern California décor and views of the Pacific Ocean and Newport Harbor. This hotel features a resort-style pool area, a spa and an on-site restaurant.

Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa

This hotel features spacious guest rooms and suites with luxury amenities – many with stunning Pacific Ocean views. Enjoy a delicious seafood or steak dinner at Hook & Spear, unwind at Pure Blu, a full-service spa, work out in their state-of-the-art fitness center and take a dip in their two outdoor pools.

Balboa Bay Resort

Overlooking Balboa Bay in Newport Beach, California, this 15-acre resort is 10 minutes from Huntington Beach. It features a full-service salon and spa, on-site dining, an outdoor pool, and rooms with free WiFi.

Newport Channel Inn

Every room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, a coffee machine, a microwave, a refrigerator, and air conditioning. Every room comes with a private bathroom equipped with a hairdryer, free toiletries, and a shower. Beach towels, boogie boards, beach chairs, and beach umbrellas are provided for guests.

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40 Comments

ChrisMay 13, 2019 at 3:52 am

From your very comprehensive post its obvious Newport Beach is a beautiful place. I was intrigued by the drone photography, it captured my imagination to the extent Newport Beach is now on my bucket list. I’m from Australia and a couple of questions came to mind as I was watching the video 1) How far is Newport Beach from Disneyland? 2) Is the area prone to flooding or fires and 3) Is it an expensive place to live?

Being keen on fishing I can imagine casting my line in at the end of that long jetty while watching the sun set….I feel relaxed just thinking about it. I can also visualise myself pursuing the attractions especially the ‘cliff walk’, ‘The Breakers’ and ‘Thames Street’.

The restaurants also appeal to me. Given that I had enough time I’d like to try all 5.

Hi Chris, thanks for visiting beach travel destinations. Disneyland is about 19 miles from Newport Beach, so not far at all. So yes, plenty easy to go there for a day or two and still hit the other local attractions. Glad you enjoyed my post.

I am embarrassed to admit that as a Southern California native, I hardly, if ever, visited Newport Beach. I never seen a travel guide so well thorough and informative, not to forget to mention, entertaining! I really appreciate you sharing those incredible pictures of all the locations and points of interest. By far, I will definitely have to make plans to visit Newport Beach!

I love to enjoy a great atmosphere, and I have a feeling that I might fall in love with class of ’47…

Nice and informative site you have on Newport Beach. We have been looking at traveling to California and this is right where we plan on going. Looks like you have provided everything here for us. Thanks for all of the great information and for putting this together. Looking forward to planning our California trip now!

You’re making me dream again. I was in California many years ago, Sandiago in fact and had a lovely time. Unfortunately, we never made it to a beach. It was late December and the Santa Anna’s were blowing most of the time we were there.

That said, after reading your post I sure would like to try and do it again and make Newport Beach our destination. It sounds amazing and there’s so many to choose from.

We love to walk so taking in some of the places you mention would keep us busy as well.

$30 for a Pizza. Must be awfully good and some of the other eateries sound delicious.

You know, we are going to have to find a way to make it happen and start making some plans. We have a 25 wedding Aniversary coming up in a couple of years. I think this would be a great way to celebrate.

WOW Now I really want to go to Newport beach. It looks and sounds amazing. Just the beaches alone are so beautiful. I always like a Sept vacation, so I may have to check this out now. The list of where to go like the Class of 47 sounds pretty cool. Maybe a whale watching trip or Catamaran seems like a can’t miss kind of adventure. Great job

Wow, awesome job on this article, Leahrae! This is probably one of the most thorough and engaging visitor guides I’ve ever seen. My fiancée and I are full-time RV lifers, we just aren’t mobile yet, so for now we’re putting together a list of destinations to visit once we get a truck big enough to pull our little home around. Needless to say, Newport Beach just got added to the list.

I’ve been all over the States, but the farthest west I’ve managed to make it is Colorado Springs, I’ve always wanted to see California. My grandmother and my mother are both from Cali, so I grew up with the western mentality, just never been to the place it originated. This looks like the spot, I gotta tell ya. The beaches look AMAZING.

I’m curious, I didn’t notice anything mentioned about possible RV resorts in the area, do you know if they have any good ones in Newport Beach?

Thank you for the great article, just wanna tell you, your site looks fantastic. The use of strong imagery to enhance the reading experience really made it a pleasurable experience! Keep up the great work!

Glad you enjoyed Bobby. The best RV park is going to be Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina. You will find it to be wonderful 🙂 Thanks for the visit and for taking the time to leave me comments.

Newport Beach is a wonderful place to spend a vacation, and I can vouch for that as someone who was there for a couple of months doing a work project about 12 years ago. I enjoyed the beaches, the food in the restaurants, many of which you have listed, and the activities when not working.

Particularly of interest for me was the whale watching and the sunset cruises, as they provided the perfect balance to the stress of the contract work I was doing for much of the hours daily. The people are friendly, the prices are not more than you would expect, and overall there is plenty to do – oh yes, the weather is great too!

I have always wondered if staying a few miles away (i.e. in Costa Mesa) and traveling back and forth would save more money while there. Do you know what the prices may be a bit back from the beach area and is that even practical? At the time I was there, the company was paying for the hotel so it did not matter, but this might open the door for more people to experience this great beach location…

Oh yes Dave, definitely staying a bit back from the beach is going to save money and heck, I think it is practical for anyone wanting to head here on a budget. I do agree that the weather is fantastic, with a friendly atmosphere and loads to do 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.

It seems like there is no shortage of places to visit and I think that it would probably be a nice place to visit. I personally like kayaking and doing things at the beach that allow me to enjoy myself. Do you think that newport beach is your favorite place in california and what makes it unique?

It is definitely unique with the Balboa Peninsula, with the natural harbor and the islands there. As far as my favorite place, I can’t say that I have a favorite place. I love Santa Cruz for the beachy surfing community that it is. I suppose if I could live in California, this is where I’d be for sure! How about you?

I honestly admit that I am a gambler and whenever I visit a resort or any tourist spot, it’s the Casinos that interest me much. I can’t live without playing at a Casino, so no matter how great the attraction of the beach is, no matter how good the cuisines are, they are useless to me if there is no Casino in that place. It is always a part of my tourist itinerary. So, in these beach resorts in California, do they have Casinos I can play at?

What a great article! We are just in the process of planning a beach holiday, so this was really timely. I do like the sound of Crystal Cove for a bit of quiet time, but Newport Beach certainly has a lot to choose from, whatever you’re looking for. I haven’t really been to many beaches in the USA, only Venice Beach and the Santa Monica Pier. I didn’t realise Southern California got snow in the winter either, so I learnt something else today. Which one of the attractions is your favourite, particularly for a first time visitor to Newport Beach?

Hi Mara, glad you enjoyed my Newport Beach Visitors Guide. I would definitely include Crystal Cove and the Cliff Walk. Both are my favorite places. Also make sure to eat at A Restaurant 🙂 Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.

Hi, I read your article very carefully, I am very excited to read your article because have learn many important tips about Newport beach visitors guideline for traveling through your article. I personally love to travel. I have never been to Newport beach but it have looks so beautiful from the pictures and videos on your website. I like the beaches you highlight here and i’m glad you’ve included some restaurants and best Newport Nightclubs. Thank you very much for writing this article.

I have learned so much about Newport Beach from your article. I have been interested in visiting California and this looks like just the place. So many things to do and see. I like the idea of a sunset cruise and wine tasting. That sounds particularly fun to me. And Crystal Cove looks like the perfect beach spot for me and my family to unwind, relax and have fun. Thanks!

Hi there, great information on Newport Beach. I love the beach and there seems to be so much beauty here. I love the outdoors and the ocean. Just being near it with the sun and sand and the beautiful scenery. Thanks for sharing this great article full of information. Can’t wait to visit Newport Beach!

I was very excited to know about Newport Beach. I love to travel very much. Your article will be very attracted to the Traveler like me to travel to Newport Beach. In your guideline, from March to May and September to November, In the meantime, it seems to me that it was a favorite from March to May. after seeing the photography of Newport Beach I am very interested to travel Newport beach. Thank you very much for writing this beautiful article.

The Big Corona is my destination beach. Let’s sip some wine in the sun. Wow! Staying out on the beach is my summer plan for this year and I’d soon be on my summer long vacation since I quit my job and work as my own boss, everything has been pretty much fun and full of enjoyment for me. The suggested Newport beaches all looked awesome but I’d give anything to rock the parties on the Big corona beach. I really like the details about it and my beach kits are always readily packed.

Wow, Newport offers so much! I also love the beach. Little Corona sounds like an intriguing area. My husband and I started travelling a few years ago and are always looking for new places to explore. This sounds right up our alley. Between the beaches and the great restaurants you mentioned, I think this would be an ideal vacation spot. Thanks for sharing all this wonderful information.

Well Newport is on my destination list when I’m visiting US sometime in next year. Sounds like the perfect place where the entire family will be able to enjoy activities close to the beach. I am also wondering if there are any Asian restaurants in the area? Grandpa has to have his Asian food when we travel 🙂

I need more than one life to visit all the amazing places you recommend. Newport seems a destination that offers a lot of alternatives for activities: I am mostly attracted by the kayak and paddleboard tours. Great article as always, Leahrae!

newport does look like quite a lovely place for a nice relaxing family holiday. Do you have more information about activities and excursions in the locality for a family 3, all girls, all tweens!. Also, do the hotels mentioned have kids clubs going on during the tourist season of late spring?

Hi Derek, of course there are kid friendly activities and tours 🙂 If you go to this link, you can find a variety of tours to choose from. The Marriott Newport Coast Villas has kids activities and programs. This will be the best hotel for your family with tweens 🙂 Please let me know if you need any additional information.

This is absolutely great because I am thinking of using my Thanksgiving vacation to go somewhere warm this year and so I am on the hunt for the perfect place. I like the beaches you highlight here and i’m glad you’ve included some restaurants. I have gone places in the past and had no idea where to eat and that can be frustrating. Thanks so much for sharing, I love your website.